By Megan Holley
A Chorus Line in Ogden, Utah, is truly a sight to behold. Director Amber Hansen along with choreographer Mckenna Ward, turn a show about a Broadway audition in 1975 into a glorious work of art. While this show is for more mature audiences, the audience roars with laughter and enjoyment the entire time. This musical was originally directed by Michael Bennett, who states “This show is dedicated to anyone who has ever danced in a chorus or marched in step… anywhere.”
Zach (David Knowles), is portrayed as a standard director; someone who is passionate, caring, encouraging, and wants authentic performances during auditions so he knows who to cast. His former lover, Cassie (Amiee Pike), performs a breath-taking duet with him called “Music and the Mirror”. It is about their past and future as thespians as well as sweethearts.
Val (Cat Umano) sings “Dance: Ten, Looks: Three”, about how she gets plastic surgery and how it helps her gain many ensemble roles. This is the raciest song in the show due to Val swearing up a storm and using crude language. However, everyone onstage reacts to everything Val sings, making it entertaining to watch the actors in the background more than Val herself.
Paul (Mejai Perry) is full of energy and life, he goes above and beyond when he’s dancing. He gives a monologue about his life, which makes the audience cry. He shares about the trials he’s been through and he starts to cry onstage, which makes the audience cry even more. Paul’s life is heartbreaking, but he doesn’t let that affect his dancing.
Ward’s choreography is genre appropriate, and her being onstage as the audition choreographer makes this show realistic. She demonstrates her knowledge of chorus line type of dancing flawlessly, in her choreography she included many kick lines and made sure everyone was kicking at the same height and time.
Lighting Design by Alek Burden is simplistic due to it being for an audition type of show, but helps the audience focus on the importance of what’s happening onstage. The Sound Design by Shea Madson is pleasing, the microphones and the music are balanced perfectly, making it so one doesn’t overpower the other. Linsay Kapetanov as the Costumer and in charge of Hair and Makeup Design makes sure everything she’s in charge of is time period appropriate, from the hair down to the leg warmers on the females. Music Director Heidi Porter Hunt ensures that every harmony and every note sounds like a professional Broadway company is singing.
A Chorus Line at the Zig is a well-loved, oft-quoted show and still makes us laugh and maybe that we wish we could be or could have been a Broadway dancer. Come to Ogden and see for yourself.
The Ziegfeld Theatre Presents A Chorus Line. Book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, Music by Marvin Hamlisch, and Lyrics by Edward Kleban.
The Ziegfeld Theatre, 3934 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403
Tickets: $17-19.
Contact: 855-944-2787[
June 14-19, 2019, 7:30 PM. Saturday matinees 2:00 PM*
The Ziegfeld Theatre Facebook Page
A Chorus Line Facebook Event
*On the first Saturday of every production there is Student Night, where any student from junior high to college can come see a show for $5 with a valid student ID and the code: STUDENT.
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